AHLA seeks leaders who demonstrate excellence in health law, commitment to the Association's mission, and support for inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. All leaders must understand and comply with AHLA's Conflict of Interest Policy and Non-Harassment Policy. The nomination and appointment process is designed to identify qualified candidates who will help AHLA serve its members and advance the profession.

In carrying out the nomination and application process, AHLA vigorously applies the nondiscrimination principle embodied in the Association’s Statement of Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility. All applicants are asked to review of this statement and provide demographic information (with “prefer not to answer or to self-identify” as an acceptable response). 

General Appointment Process

1. Annual Call for Leaders: AHLA issues a call for nominations each fall
2. Application Submission: Candidates complete the Candidate Information Form through the online portal
3. Review and Evaluation: Applications are evaluated based on qualifications, experience, and commitment to AHLA
4. Selection: Appointments are made by the appropriate authority (Board of Directors or President-Elect)
5. Notification: All candidates are notified of selection decisions
6. Orientation: New leaders participate in leadership orientation and training

Members wanting to be considered for appointment must complete and submit a Candidate Information Form. The Nominating Committee recommends nominees for the Board of Directors, Nominating Committee, and Fellows, and the Board of Directors vote on these appointments. For all other leadership positions, the President-Elect (in consultation with the President Elect-Designate, Chief Executive Officer, and staff liaisons) makes the final decision on all appointments.

General Leadership Qualifications

• A minimum of two years working in the health law industry (five years for Board positions)
• Demonstrated volunteer service to AHLA or other professional organizations
• Recognized accomplishments in health law
• Experience supporting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility initiatives
• Willingness to fulfill the leadership commitments
• Reviewing, understanding, and adhering to AHLA's Conflict of Interest Policy and Non-Harassment Policy

General Leadership Expectations

All AHLA leaders commit to:

• Maintaining active AHLA membership
• Serving the designated term length
• Attending and preparing for meetings
• Acting with due care and in the best interest of AHLA
• Supporting the volunteer and leadership pipeline
• Promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility
• Participating in leadership training
• Supporting AHLA through volunteer time and monetary donation
• Promoting AHLA educational activities

Role-Specific Requirements and Selection Processes

Board of Directors

Selection Process:

• AHLA administers an annual Call for Leaders to include new Directors. Terms are staggered to prevent everyone rotating off simultaneously.
• Members can self-nominate or nominate a colleague.
• All candidates must complete and submit a Candidate Information Form.
• The Nominating Committee recommends Directors based on thorough review of applications.
• To mitigate bias, the Nominating Committee independently reviews de-identified applications using an agreed-upon rubric.
• Applications are evaluated based on service to AHLA, achievements in health law, and diversity considerations.
• The final slate is presented to the Board of Directors for approval.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of five years working in the health law industry
• Demonstrated service to AHLA and/or positions of responsibility
• Recognized accomplishments in the health law profession/industry/community
• Experience implementing or supporting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility programs

Term: Five years

Nominating Committee

Selection Process:

• The President serves as the Committee's Chair
• The Committee consists of the last two past Presidents, the President-Elect, and the President-Elect Designate
• An at-large member from AHLA's Board of Directors and an at-large member from the general membership serve one-year, non-renewable terms
• While serving in an at-large position, members are disqualified from any nomination
• The annual call for leaders includes an opening for an at-large member from the membership
• The Nominating Committee recommends the at-large member based on review of the candidate's involvement

Term: Varies by position

President-Elect Designate

Selection Process:

• Individuals from the junior, senior, and immediate past classes of the Board of Directors interested in being considered must complete an online PED Candidate Information Form
• Applications are evaluated on leadership abilities, vision for the Association, consensus building, and other criteria
• Staff forwards applications to the Nominating Committee with scoring rubrics
• The Nominating Committee discusses candidates and selects a nominee
• The Board votes on the nominee

Qualifications:

• Current or recent Board of Directors service
• Demonstrated leadership abilities
• Vision for the Association
• Financial and governance acumen

Term information for Council, Planning Committee, Practice Group, and Review Board Leaders: One, three-year term for Vice-Chairs and Members (at-Large). Chairs and Co-Chairs serve one, two-year term. Selection and qualification information for each leadership group is listed below. 

Development and Advancement Council

Selection Process:

• Anyone interested must complete and submit an application
• The President-Elect, in consultation with others, reviews applications and makes final appointment decisions
• Appointees must meet all qualifications and leadership expectations

Qualifications:

• Minimum two years in health law
• Demonstrated volunteer service to AHLA
• Fundraising or donor development experience preferred

Dispute Resolution Service Council and Review Board

Selection Process:

• Anyone interested must complete and submit an application
• The President-Elect, in consultation with others, reviews applications and makes final appointment decisions
• Appointees must meet all qualifications and leadership expectations

Qualifications for Council:

• Interest and experience in alternative dispute resolution
• Intermediate level of experience in ADR preferred

Qualifications for Review Board:

• Significant experience in the arbitration, litigation, or mediation of health law disputes

Practice Group Leadership

Selection Process:

• Anyone interested must complete and submit an application
• The President-Elect, in consultation with others, reviews applications and makes final appointment decisions
• Appointees must meet all qualifications and leadership expectations

Qualifications:

• Membership in the respective Practice Group
• Two years minimum working in the health law industry, preferably within the topical area
• Demonstrated volunteer service to AHLA

Conference Planning Committee

Selection Process:

• Anyone interested must complete and submit an application
• The President-Elect, in consultation with others, reviews applications and makes final appointment decisions
• Appointees must meet all qualifications and leadership expectations

Qualifications:

• Two years minimum in health law industry
• Past attendance at relevant conference(s) or any AHLA conference preferred

Women's Leadership Council and Early Career Professionals Council

Selection Process:

• Anyone interested must complete and submit an application
• The President-Elect, in consultation with others, reviews applications and makes final appointment decisions
• Appointees must meet all qualifications and leadership expectations

Qualifications for Early Career Professionals Council:

• Should have less than 10 years of professional experience when appointed

Early Career Professional Delegate to the Board of Directors

Selection Process:

• Applications open in September for terms beginning the following July
• Anyone interested must complete and submit an application
• The President-Elect, in consultation with others, reviews applications and makes final appointment decisions
• Appointees must meet all qualifications and leadership expectations

Role:

The Delegate attends Board meetings (virtual and in-person) in a non-voting capacity, shares information about Early Career Professionals Council activities, and participates in Board discussions. The Delegate may serve on Board Committees and participate in special activities.

Qualifications:

Early career professional status (typically less than 10 years of professional experience) - Demonstrated interest in AHLA leadership - Ability to represent perspectives of early career health law professionals

Factors That May Prevent Selection

• Working in the same firm/organization as an existing member of the same leadership group
• Incomplete application
• Current leadership in a competing organization that would create a conflict of interest
• Unwillingness or inability to comply with AHLA's Conflict of Interest Policy and Non-Harassment Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I nominate someone else?
Yes, you can nominate yourself or recommend a colleague through the online nomination form.

Can I serve in multiple leadership positions simultaneously?
Due to the high level of interest in serving, members are typically appointed to only one position at a time.

How are leaders evaluated?
Leaders are evaluated based on qualifications, commitment to AHLA's mission, volunteer service, professional accomplishments, and commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.

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